For some of us, this quarantine may feel like we are in the middle of a really long vacation. Sleeping in, watching movies all day, reading that book, or getting the house project done, etc. I don’t know about you but when I’m on vacation, I tend to eat very differently than the rest of the year. I allow those special treats, drinks, you name it. If this is you right now, I think we all need to take a moment.
At the end of this quarantine, how do you want to feel? For me, I want to feel like I have energy, like I’m ready to step back out into the world, ready to workout intensely, etc. And that means, I need to fuel my body appropriately right now. Not two weeks before quarantine is lifted.
Now. So, here are four simple step to set up some helpful boundaries:
Set up a plan! That old phrase “fail to plan, and plan to fail” is so true right now. For me, I’m eating the same way I always do Monday-Saturday. Sunday I loosen things up a bit. Notice, I said a bit. It’s not an entire cheat day. It’s a little extra helping of this or that and maybe a special treat. What is your body okay with? Maybe it's one cheat meal a week or every other week. Set up your plan and stick to it.
Eliminate the junk! If you know you are tempted to eat whatever is in the house at all times of day, don’t keep it. Lock it up, freeze it for another time, etc. Don’t have it out on the counter where you have to walk by temptation every time you go for a drink of water. But, what about that special sunday treat? Well, wait till that day and then order (instacart, ubereats, etc) just the amount that is acceptable for that day. No leftovers.
Drink lots of water! It’s surprising to me how we often mistake thirst for hunger. Try this as you sit around wishing you could have a snack that you know you don’t really need. Get a bottle of water and finish it within the hour. You will find you are more full, clear headed, more energy. Not to mention, your skin will thank you.
Be accountable! If you’re sitting there, thinking “yeah that’s nice but there’s no one here to watch me”, you are not alone. Reach out to a friend or family member. Let them know your goal and desire and ask them to do it with you. Or. Reach out to a coach for some personalized help. We are happy to be there for you.
What all of this boils down to is: eat foods that help you to feel good both physically and mentally. Be honest about what those are. Be honest about the amounts you really need. Then, just do it. Commit yourself to seeing that through. Think about the reward. You can do it.
Love,
Coach Kristen